2nd Annual Grown Up Movies Screenplay Contest

Grand Prize Winner flown to LA to meet with industry professionals who have worked on WILD HOGS, JOY RIDE, RUSSIAN DOLL, THE CLEANING LADY, KODACHROME, OLD DOGS, and more!

ALL finalist loglines will go into a Stage 32 Look Book sent to over 500 entertainment industry executives!

Open to Feature Film Scripts & TV Pilots!

We are on the hunt for ALL types of grown up movie and TV scripts - all stories are welcome! We are looking for:

> Scripts like: OLD DADS, GOING IN STYLE, GIRLS TRIP, THE MULE, MAYBE I DO, ROBOT AND FRANK, LAST VEGAS, BOOK CLUB, THE WEEK OF, THE EXPENDABLES, THE TOMORROW MAN, BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL, BAD MOMS, MOVING ON, THE DISCOVERY, MACK AND RITA, GRAN TORINO, WHY HIM?, THE LOVERS

But that's not all, we want to see all new, unique and fresh ideas that we haven't seen before!

For the last 12 years, Stage 32 Contests have led to dozens of success stories including writers getting representation, sold, optioned, staffed, given writing assignments and getting produced. No other contest opens more doors and we want to do the same for you.

If you have a Grown Up story that needs to be told, now is the time to show us what you've got, because our goal is to amplify your voice, give you the access Stage 32 is known for, and take your writing career to the next level!

Script Coverage & Resubmission Options

Would you like immediate feedback on your submission and the option to make changes and resubmit? Using our NEW Feedback & Resubmission Option you will get 3-5 pages of coverage/notes back in 5-days with a guaranteed option to resubmit one (1) revised draft of your script up to 10 days after the Final Deadline! See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. You can position yourself for the best chance of success - all for an additional fee of only $99. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. See full terms in the Rules Section. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is March 9th, 2024.

Feedback Option

We offer discounted coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on March 29th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.

Resubmission Option

We offer the option to resubmit a new draft of your script later in the contest for $39.00. You only have until 5 days after the Final Deadline to submit a new draft. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is March 4th, 2024. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

Stage 32 Contest Winners Have Gone on to Work With:

The Prizes

Our Grand Prize winner will:

• Be flown to LA for meetings (travel permitting) to meet with:
  • Kelly Hayes, Producer & Development Executive (WILD HOGS, OLD DOGS)
  • Maya Glikman, Producer & Development Executive (THE CLEANING LADY)
  • Chisom Ude, Producer, Suite 06 (JOY RIDE, NOW YOU SEE ME)
  • Colleen Labella, Director of Development @ Shoot to Midnight (SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE, RUSSIAN DOLL)
  • Siobhan Murphy, Literary Manager @ The Gotham Group (KODACHROME, THE MAZE RUNNER, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES)
  • Victoria Davis, Producer & Development Executive (THE GREAT, DISCLAIMER, MAN VS BEE)
  • Marsy Robinson, Producer (SEX AND THE CITY: AND JUST LIKE THAT..., AJ AND THE QUEEN)
• Work with Stage 32 to develop your winning script’s pitch deck for the market
• Have your professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers who have a First Look deal with Stage 32 and are actively looking for new clients and material.
• Receive a free membership to the Stage 32 Writers’ Room, a private, virtual community of writers from around the world the meet and learn from industry professionals like Meg LeFauve (INSIDE OUT, CAPTAIN MARVEL) and Aimee Riviera, VP of Motion Picture Production at Skydance Media (TOP GUN: MAVERICK), Tripper Clancy (STUBER) and managers & agents from WME, CAA, Gersh, Circle of Confusion, Zero Gravity & more!
• Free access to Stage 32’s educational webinar library, which includes over 3,000 hours of content featuring top industry professionals
• Continued support from the Stage 32 team to help move your career forward and get you in front of decision makers!

In addition to these meetings, the winner will also receive access to Stage 32’s Educational resources, be promoted on Stage 32’s social media, and have their professional biography sent to an exclusive roster of over 30 agents and managers hand picked by Stage 32 who are actively looking for new clients and material. Stage 32 will facilitate introductory meetings to any of the representatives who respond to your material and bio. This is the type of exposure that will change your career forever!

If you reach the Finals, you still get massive exposure to decision makers!

ALL FINALISTS will receive a FREE MONTH OF THE MEMBER'S ONLY STAGE 32 WRITERS' ROOM, an exclusive community of writers who gather online for inspiring and educational webcasts from top industry pros, and will be in a Stage 32 Lookbook which includes their script title, logline & bio mailed to over 500 industry executives including, managers, agents, producers, development executives, and financiers! Stage 32 Lookbooks are some of the most sought after talent resources for the industry and have helped secure meetings with places like Verve, Good Fear, 3 Arts, APA, Echo Lake, Amazon, UTA, CAA, WME, First Friday, Pathfinder, The Cartel, Art/Work and many, many more.

Stage 32 will be a champion for your script - once you’re part of our community, we make sure you rise to the top!

Our Screenwriting Contest Winners See Results

Stage 32 has launched the careers of hundreds of writers over the last 12 years. Stage 32 has quickly emerged as the leading source for industry executives to uncover new talent! Is this your year to move the needle on your career?

• Winner Jonathan Jordan was signed by major literary agency Verve, and worked on a script currently in production through them. He has also signed with a manager and is currently working on a new film.
• Winner Christina Pamies was signed by Billion Dollar Literary Manager Jake Wagner. After that, he got her a paid gig with StudioCanal adapting the highly anticipated BAGHEAD. Check out the Variety article the film is featured in.
• Winner Greg Mania was signed by Cohn/Torgan Management, and has since published a memoir called Born To Be Public, which was named NPR’s Best Book of 2020.
• Winner Diana Wright signed with Audrey Knox at The Cartel, a prominent management company, and with Culture Creative Entertainment.
• Winner Julie Ann Cross won a mentorship with Amy Baer of Gidden Media, and a $7,500 option agreement.

Still don’t believe us? Let Winners Christina Pamies & Jonathan Jordan tell you why you should enter!

Click the "Success Stories" link here for even more testimonials from our past winners!

Judge’s Credits and Company/Client Credits Include:

Important Dates to Be Aware Of

Super Early Bird Deadline: December 14th, 2023

Early Bird Deadline: January 10th, 2024

Regular Deadline: January 31st, 2024

Final Deadline: February 28th, 2024

Quarterfinalist Announcement: May 3rd, 2024

Semifinalist Announcement: May 17th, 2024

Finalist Announcement: May 31st, 2024

Winner Announcement: June 14th, 2024

Submission Options

Feedback & Resubmission Option

Would you like immediate feedback on your submission and the option to make changes and resubmit? Using our NEW Feedback & Resubmission Option you will get 3-5 pages of coverage/notes back in 5-days with a guaranteed option to resubmit one (1) revised draft of your script up to 10 days after the Final Deadline! See what elements of your script are working and what still needs to be developed. You can position yourself for the best chance of success - all for an additional fee of only $99. Please submit revised drafts to contests@stage32.com.

This option is good for a one-time use and is non-refundable/non-transferable if you do not enter an updated draft. See full terms in the Rules Section. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is March 9th, 2024.

Feedback Option

We offer discounted coverage for $49.00. With this option, you will receive 1-2 pages of coverage/notes after the Quarterfinalist Announcement on March 29th, 2024. See full terms in the Rules Section.

Resubmission Option

We offer the option to resubmit a new draft of your script later in the contest for $39.00. You only have until 5 days after the Final Deadline to submit a new draft. The last day to submit new drafts with this option is March 4th, 2024. You cannot submit a new draft after the reading process has commenced or after any announcements have been made.

If you have any questions regarding this contest, check out frequently asked questions here.

Kelly Hayes (Judge) - Producer,

Kelly Hayes is a producer and development executive working in feature films and television. He recently produced Mope, starring David Arquette and Max Adler, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

He was instrumental in the development and sale of Boys Are Stupid Throw Rocks At Them at Universal. He developed the Blacklist script Doppelgängers, written by Evan and Shea Mirzai. Kelly is currently producing the feature film Spiral and developing numerous other projects.

In television, Kelly has led the sale of numerous projects such as "Thunderballs" at Spike, "Black Girls Are Easy" at VH1, and Glory Daze" at TBS. He produced the Fox Digital series "Bad Samaritans", which is streaming on Netflix.

Before becoming an independent producer, Kelly worked as the Director of Development at Grace Hill Media and for The Walt Becker Company as the Director of Development and Production, where he was involved in the development and sale of projects to Universal. Kelly was also an Associate Producer on the Walt Disney Studios film Old Dogs starring John Travolta and Robin Williams. 

Maia Glikman (Judge) - Producer (Former ABC, Lucasfilm, Sony Pictures Television)

Maia Glikman is a producer whose body of work spans numerous areas of the entertainment industry. She has held key positions from development to production at networks, studios and some of the world’s leading production companies.

Maia has developed both major television and feature projects, in addition to major properties in the podcast and unscripted space. Highlights as an executive include several years at ABC Network, Lucasfilm (under Kathleen Kennedy) and Sony Pictures Television (development and current).

Most recently, Maia was the Head of Scripted for MSM/Tollin Productions. Previous to that she was the Head of Development at Amore & Vita Productions - which had an overall deal at Warner Bros. TV

There she found the format and developed the Fox show "THE CLEANING LADY". Her work has resulted in the acquisition of several original projects which she created or conceptualized, including sales to Fox, CW, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Bell (Canadian Network)and Spotify to name a few. As a creative producer, Maia's mandate is the production of high-quality content that resonates with today's audience, most especially those that champion female and underrepresented voices.

Maia founded a podcast company focusing on interactive immersive narrative content for kids, GoKidGo, that is now the third largest kid's narrative content in the world and features an exclusive and original podcast series based off of new creative from R.L. Stine. GoKidGo is repped by UTA and now has a deal with HappyNest.

Her slate includes live action film and TV, animation, podcasts (kid and adult) and documentaries with partnerships with companies such as Stampede Ventures, Groundswell Productions, Rainforest Entertainment, Confluential Films, Rooster Teeth Studios, Reel FX Animation Studios, Boat Rocker Media, Untitled Entertainment, Village Roadshow Pictures to name a few.

 

Colleen Labella (Judge) - Director of Development, Shoot to Midnight

Colleen Labella is the Director of Development for Leslye Headland's company, Shoot to Midnight, which developed the Emmy award winning show, "RUSSIAN DOLL".

 

Colleen is a producer on the upcoming Freeform show, "SINGLE DRUNK FEMALE". Her projects currently in development include "THE ACOLYTE" (a Star Wars series), "MILK FED" (based on the book of the same name), an untitled comedy series for FX, Catya McMullen's feature film GEORGIA MERTCHING IS DEAD and a number of other series under Headland's overall deal with 20th Century Fox.

 

Colleen also has a background in directing theatre and is particularly interested in queer and female-centric storytelling.

Siobhan Murphy (Judge) - Literary Manager, The Gotham Group

Siobhan Murphy represents award-winning creatives and fresh new voices at the leading management/production company, The Gotham Group. The company is known for visually striking films and series like their wildly successful Paramount + SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES, 20th Century Fox MAZE RUNNER trilogy, as well as KODACHROME starring Ed Harris and Jason Sudeikis for Netflix.

Siobhan admires animation as a medium and is delighted to collaborate with artists, writers, directors, and producers across genres in TV and Film. Siobhan was honored on The Tracking Board’s 2022 “Industry Next List” for her work championing and advocating emerging and underrepresented voices.

Most recently, she spoke at the 2023 AfroAnimation Summit on “The Art of the Pitch” panel. Previously, Siobhan worked at CAA and graduated summa cum laude from DePaul University in Chicago.

Chisom Ude (Judge) - Producer, Suite 06

Chisom Ude is an independent producer at Suite 06 with an eye for marketable talent and an expertise in creating entertaining material for BIPOC women and non-binary audiences. Chisom was key to the development and production of the wide-release feature comedy, JOY RIDE, rated 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Most recently a Creative Executive in Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group, Chisom’s development slate spanned over twenty titles including a NOW YOU SEE ME sequel, as well as a dramedy penned and directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green (KING RICHARD). In the last two years, she has managed five features in production and post including the action-thriller SHADOW FORCE starring Kerry Washington, and Adele Lim’s directorial debut JOY RIDE starring Ashley Park (Emily in Paris) and Stephanie Hsu (EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE, ALL AT ONCE).

Prior to her film career in Los Angeles, Chisom worked in global finance in London and in unscripted television at BET. Chisom’s exposure to various environments has continued to shape her ability to identify concepts that resonate with a wide audience.
Chisom earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics from Princeton University.

Victoria Davis (Judge) - Script Editor and Development Consultant,

Victoria is a Script Editor and Development Consultant, based in London, with over a decade of experience working in film, television and branded content.

Recent credits include DISCLAIMER (APPLE TV+), a new HETV thriller series written and directed by Alfonso Cuarón; THE GREAT (HULU), an Emmy award-winning satirical period drama created by Tony McNamara; and MAN VS BEE (NETFLIX), a new comedy series by Rowan Atkinson and Will Davies. Victoria script edits projects at all stages of development and production, working closely with A-List Showrunners, Writers, Actors and Exec Producers, both in Writers’ Rooms and on set. She has extensive experience as a Script Coordinator and is a whizz at Final Draft. In addition, Victoria reads scripts and books for established Producers and production companies such as WORKING TITLE to scout new material, talent and IP.

Victoria is eager to nurture new talent and voices, working regularly with emerging screenwriters to provide development notes and creative guidance. She has also worked on multiple script competitions, including CHANNEL 4’s 4 Stories and SID GENTLE’s Thousand Films to find the best new British and Irish screenwriting talent.

Victoria started her career producing TV, radio, print and digital commercials at leading advertising agencies such as AMV BBDO. As Head of Production at MOFILM, she worked with a thousand-strong community of independent filmmakers around the world to develop and produce 100+ short films for brands including Diageo, Danone, Chevrolet, British Airways and Red Bull; while driving diversity initiatives to increase representation both in front and behind the camera. Victoria is passionate about developing authentic, original, character-driven stories for HETV and Film. She was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and has a special interest in Irish and British stories.

Marsy Robinson (Judge) - Producer,

Marsy Robinson is the Supervising Producer for the next chapter of Sex and the City: And Just Like That... for HBOMax. She is the Creator and Writer/Producer for the highly anticipated animated series and meta-verse - The Adventures of Hoop and Pep! Prior to that, she was Co-Producer for the Netflix/WB scripted series A.J. and the Queen and for various pilots under MPK Productions/WB for Amazon, Netflix, HBOMax and CBS.

Marsy is a member of the Producers Guild of America, is the founder of The Commune. With great care, tenacity, and determination, Marsy emphasizes connection and collaboration - within her company, The Commune to welcome strong, creative minds into a non-hierarchical environment to develop, produce, manage, and sell female forward projects, serving many genres and fulfilling a myriad of storytelling and truth-seeking. Throughout her career, Marsy has worked with notable talent including Jennifer Coolidge, Lisa Kudrow, RuPaul Charles, Izzy G., Sarah Jessica Parker, Cynthia Nixon, Kristen Davis, Kim Cattrall, Karen Pittman, Bridget Everrett, Sara Ramirez, Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, and Eric McCormick.

Marsy’s desire to work in Development and as a Creative Producer took shape very quickly into her time on the original Will & Grace whilst working alongside the series' Showrunner. Soon after she spent several years working in NBC/Universal's development department, devising projects and then as a Producer for Emmy Nominated series: 2 Broke Girls for CBS and The Comeback for HBO.

Before working in Development and Production, Marsy spent over 15 years in the music industry working for Columbia Records in A&R, SFX/Live Nation in concert promotion and at MTV working in special events.